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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

New pseudoscorpion species discovered in Glenwood Caverns

Colorado cave biologist Dave Steinmann is used to discovering new species in hidden places - but it's not every day one is named after him.

A new species of pseudoscorpion, discovered in Glenwood Caverns, was named after Steinmann in Subterranean Biology's yearly journal, published in December.

"It's fun and an honor to be recognized," Steinmann said in an interview. "I just hope it contributes to people understanding that caves are sensitive."

Cryptograegris steinmanni - just one of several species Steinmann discovered in the cave - were first spotted in 2000 by a tour guide at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Steve Beckley, owner of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, said this is not the first species discovered in Glenwood Caverns. About 50 species have been discovered and named since the park opened in 1990.

Steinmann said it took 10 years of rigorous genetic tests in New York and Australia to verify the species was an unprecedented discovery. Specimens of the species now reside at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which funded Steinmann's research.

Pseudoscorpions resemble true scorpions but are smaller, usually about half an inch. Also, pseudoscorpions do not have a stinger on their tail — instead they have poison in the tips of their claws.

There are more than 3,000 species of pseudoscorpions, Steinmann said.

Steinmann spent the last 12 years collecting research and turning over rocks in Colorado's caves. In addition to the Glenwood Caverns, Steinmann frequents caves in Eagle County, Steamboat Springs and Colorado Springs.

During that time Steinmann said he has discovered about 100 new species — 20 of those in Glenwood Caverns. Those discoveries include new species of millipedes, beetles and pseudoscorpions.

Steinmann has not found the new species in any other cave systems, and there could be as few as 100 of the arachnids living in Glenwood Caverns.

The species lives entirely in darkness and is at the top of the cave's food chain, eating smaller cave insects such as beetles.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

New pseudoscorpion species discovered in Glenwood Caverns

Colorado cave biologist Dave Steinmann is used to discovering new species in hidden places - but it's not every day one is named after him.

A new species of pseudoscorpion, discovered in Glenwood Caverns, was named after Steinmann in Subterranean Biology's yearly journal, published in December.

"It's fun and an honor to be recognized," Steinmann said in an interview. "I just hope it contributes to people understanding that caves are sensitive."

Cryptograegris steinmanni - just one of several species Steinmann discovered in the cave - were first spotted in 2000 by a tour guide at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Steve Beckley, owner of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, said this is not the first species discovered in Glenwood Caverns. About 50 species have been discovered and named since the park opened in 1990.

Steinmann said it took 10 years of rigorous genetic tests in New York and Australia to verify the species was an unprecedented discovery. Specimens of the species now reside at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which funded Steinmann's research.

Pseudoscorpions resemble true scorpions but are smaller, usually about half an inch. Also, pseudoscorpions do not have a stinger on their tail — instead they have poison in the tips of their claws.

There are more than 3,000 species of pseudoscorpions, Steinmann said.

Steinmann spent the last 12 years collecting research and turning over rocks in Colorado's caves. In addition to the Glenwood Caverns, Steinmann frequents caves in Eagle County, Steamboat Springs and Colorado Springs.

During that time Steinmann said he has discovered about 100 new species — 20 of those in Glenwood Caverns. Those discoveries include new species of millipedes, beetles and pseudoscorpions.

Steinmann has not found the new species in any other cave systems, and there could be as few as 100 of the arachnids living in Glenwood Caverns.

The species lives entirely in darkness and is at the top of the cave's food chain, eating smaller cave insects such as beetles.